Name: Char Siu Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 green onions, sliced; Sesame seeds for garnish

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If you love that sweet, savory, and slightly smoky flavor that’s signature to Chinese BBQ, then this Char Siu Chicken Recipe is going to feel like a little kitchen celebration. It’s super approachable, even if you’re new to cooking Asian-inspired dishes, and the way the chicken soaks up the blend of hoisin sauce, soy, honey, and a hint of five-spice powder? Absolutely magical. I remember the first time I made this, the aroma alone had me counting down the minutes until I could dig in!

This Char Siu Chicken Recipe works beautifully for weeknight dinners when you want something flavorful but fuss-free. Plus, it’s great for meal prep or even impressing friends at a casual dinner party. What I really love is that you can prepare the marinade ahead of time, giving the flavors a chance to meld even better. Trust me, once you master this, it’ll be a staple in your rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that classic Char Siu taste, balancing sweet, savory, and aromatic notes perfectly. You don’t need anything fancy, and I’ll share a few tips on picking the best hoisin sauce and five-spice powder to elevate the dish.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender during cooking, unlike chicken breasts that can dry out.
Soy sauce: Look for low-sodium if you want to control saltiness, but the regular kind adds that umami punch that’s key here.
Hoisin sauce: This brand matters—choose a good-quality, flavorful hoisin to really boost the authenticity.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the chicken caramelize beautifully in the pan.
Garlic: Fresh and minced, it adds that aromatic depth you just can’t skip.
Ginger: Grated fresh ginger brightens up the flavor and balances the richness.
Chinese five-spice powder: The magic dust! Don’t skip this—it brings those signature warm tones of star anise, cinnamon, and cloves.
Vegetable oil: For cooking, neutral-flavored and perfect for getting that nice sear.
Green onions: Fresh sliced on top for crunch and a pop of color.
Sesame seeds: Optional but such a lovely garnish for texture and that nutty finish.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, so feel free to tweak this Char Siu Chicken Recipe to fit your tastes or dietary needs. I’ve tried a handful of variations that work wonders, and honestly, that’s part of the fun.

Variation: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook to keep it juicy.
Variation: For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of Sriracha or chili paste to the marinade—my friends love this when they want something a little heat-forward.
Variation: Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin if you have dietary restrictions; the flavor still holds up beautifully.
Variation: Marinate the chicken overnight if you have the time—it deepens the flavor in a way a few hours just can’t match.

How to Make Char Siu Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Marinade Like a Pro

Start by combining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and Chinese five-spice powder in a bowl. Whisk everything together until it forms a smooth, glossy marinade. I like to taste a tiny bit at this stage (careful—it’s potent!) to check the balance of salty and sweet. If it’s too salty, add a little more honey.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Thoroughly

Cut your chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces, then toss them in the marinade until totally coated. I usually use a zip-top bag—it’s mess-free and lets the chicken soak up the flavors evenly. Let it sit for at least 1 hour, but overnight is better if you have the time. This is where the magic happens!

Step 3: Sear and Cook to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, arranging them so they aren’t overcrowded (work in batches if needed). Sear until each piece develops a caramelized, slightly charred exterior—about 3-4 minutes per side. The hoisin and honey caramelize beautifully here, giving you that signature sticky glaze.

Step 4: Finish Cooking and Let Rest

Once all chicken is seared, reduce the heat to medium and cook through, about 5 more minutes, turning occasionally and spooning the marinade over the chicken as it cooks. This keeps the pieces juicy and glossy. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in those tasty juices.

How to Serve Char Siu Chicken Recipe

The image shows several pieces of cooked chicken thighs with a rich, dark red barbecue sauce coating, giving them a shiny and slightly sticky look with some areas darker and charred for texture. The chicken pieces are placed directly on a baking tray lined with white parchment paper, which has splashes and spots of sauce and slight burn marks around the edges. The overall scene is close up, showing the juicy and glazed surface of the chicken. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of sprinkling sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. The green onions add a fresh, crunchy bite that cuts through the richness, and the sesame seeds give a subtle nuttiness and a satisfying texture contrast. Plus, it looks pretty!

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or a simple fried rice. For veggies, I love throwing together a quick stir-fried bok choy or even just some simple steamed broccoli. It’s all about balancing flavors and textures on your plate — the rich Char Siu chicken calls for something light and fresh on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, try serving Char Siu Chicken on skewers garnished with scallions and sesame seeds—perfect for finger food vibes. I’ve also layered it over a bed of noodles tossed in sesame oil and soy sauce for a hearty twist. It creates a colorful, delicious spread that always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Char Siu Chicken in airtight containers in the fridge, usually eating it within 3 days. It stays juicy and flavorful, even cold, so it’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion the cooked chicken into freezer-safe bags, squeezing out excess air before sealing. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge. It’s a huge time saver on busy days.

Reheating

I like to reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep things moist. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works too, but be careful not to overcook or the chicken dries out. Adding a little extra hoisin or soy sauce when reheating brings back that saucy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Char Siu Chicken Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces and watch the cooking time closely, as breasts can dry out faster. Marinating longer helps keep them tender and flavorful.
What makes the Chinese five-spice powder important in this recipe?

Chinese five-spice powder brings a unique blend of sweet, savory, and warm spices including star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, and pepper. It’s essential for that authentic Char Siu flavor, adding depth and aromatic complexity that makes the dish stand out.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?

Ideally, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but if you can, letting it sit overnight in the fridge really intensifies the flavors. Just make sure to cover or seal it tightly to avoid any refrigerator odors affecting the taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and a gluten-free hoisin sauce to keep the dish safe for gluten-free diets without sacrificing taste.
What’s the best way to serve leftover Char Siu Chicken?

Leftovers are fantastic tossed into fried rice, wrapped in steamed buns, or added to noodle stir-fries. The versatility of this Char Siu Chicken makes it a great ingredient for quick, flavorful meals beyond just serving it as-is.

Final Thoughts

This Char Siu Chicken Recipe has a special place on my dinner table because it’s dependable, delicious, and so easy to personalize. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something with big flavor and minimal fuss, give this recipe a try. I’m confident you’ll enjoy it as much as I do—and who knows, maybe it’ll become your new favorite go-to meal too!